Stephanie-Felicite Du Crest La Comtesse De Genlis (1746–1831) Early Female Proponent of Physical Education

Abstract

Abstract Very little attention has been directed to investigations of the contributions to physical education made by women prior to the last portion of the 19th century. This study presents the physical education theory and methodology of Stephanie-Felicite du Crest, la Comtesse de Genlis, who served for nearly two decades as governess to the children of the Duc d'Orleans and bore a major responsibility for the early education of a future king of France. During the last two decades of the 18th century la Comtesse de Genlis developed and expounded a comprehensive theory of education which combined traditional religious morality with many of the more liberal ideals of Enlightenment thinkers. A prolific authoress, her early works in particular were well-known in several European countries and once enjoyed considerable acclaim, especially in her native France and in England. La Comtesse expressed an early and unremitting dedication to the importance of gymnastics and “recreational activities” in the educatio...